Story perspectives

Federal Agencies Use Secret Watchlists on Citizens

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein reports that federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), use secret watchlists to track United States citizens labeled as 'domestic terrorists'.
The watchlists process tips, reports, and social media data to create surveillance targets, increasing government monitoring.
Legal justifications may stem from the National Security Memo issued by U.S. President Donald Trump.

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Story summary

Investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein reports that federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), use secret watchlists to track United States citizens labeled as 'domestic terrorists'.
The watchlists process tips, reports, and social media data to create surveillance targets, increasing government monitoring.
Legal justifications may stem from the National Security Memo issued by U.S. President Donald Trump.